Privacy Policy

Effective date: 24 April 2026 · Use your Ear · Version 2.0

1. Data Controller

The controller responsible for processing any personal data in connection with this application and website is:

This policy is aligned with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP, in force since September 2023) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Overview

Use your Ear ("the App") is an ear-training tool for sound engineers, built around the 9 EQ pivot points framework. The App runs entirely on your device and is designed to be privacy-first:

• No user accounts, no login, no sign-up.
• No analytics, telemetry or behavioural tracking.
• No advertising SDKs or third-party trackers.
• No server-side storage of any user data.
• No contact with any external server for audio, quiz or EQ functionality.

3. Data processed locally on your device

All audio processing, quiz logic and application state is handled entirely inside your device's browser or native WebView. The following data is stored in the browser's localStorage so the App can restore state between sessions:

• Quiz level selection, level-unlock progress and per-level score history.
• Per-pivot accuracy statistics (for the heatmap in the Quiz tab).
• Selected audio input / output device identifiers and channel numbers.

This data never leaves your device. It can be cleared at any time via the App's "Reset Stats" button or by clearing the App's storage in your system settings.

Legal basis: Legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR / Art. 31(1) revFADP) in providing the basic functionality the user requests. No cross-device tracking, no user identification.

Retention: Until you clear the App's storage or uninstall the App.

4. Permissions the App may request

• Microphone — requested only if you enable the Mic input in the Source Bar. The audio stream is processed in real time through the EQ engine and is never recorded, saved or transmitted. Releasing the source or closing the App stops the stream immediately.
• Audio device enumeration — if you plug in a USB audio interface, the Audio Device panel lists available inputs and outputs so you can select them. The list of device identifiers is stored locally (see §3) and never transmitted.

Legal basis for microphone access: Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR / Art. 31(1) revFADP). Consent is expressed through the operating system's permission prompt and can be revoked at any time in system settings.

5. Audio files you load

If you load an audio file via the Track button, the file is read from your local device and decoded into memory by your browser. It is processed through the EQ engine for playback and analysis in the App only. The file is not uploaded, copied or transmitted. Unloading or closing the App discards the decoded audio immediately.

6. External links

The App may contain links to external music services (for example Spotify or YouTube search URLs) for educational reference. If you tap a link, you leave the App and arrive at a third party's service governed by that service's own privacy policy. No identifier or personal data is appended to those links.

7. Hosting

The web version is hosted by Netlify, Inc. (44 Montgomery Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA). Netlify may keep technical server logs (IP address, user agent, timestamp) for up to 30 days for security and operational purposes.

Legal basis: Legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR / Art. 31(1) revFADP) in secure and reliable operation.

International transfer: As Netlify is US-based, your IP address is transferred to the United States. Netlify participates in the EU-US and Swiss-US Data Privacy Frameworks, which are recognised as providing an adequate level of data protection. See netlify.com/privacy.

8. Children's Privacy

The App is intended for users of all ages interested in audio engineering and does not target children specifically. It does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 (GDPR Art. 8) or under 13 (US COPPA). The App does include a hearing-safety notice at startup because signals such as pink noise, sine tones and sweeps can cause hearing damage at high volumes.

9. Your Rights (revFADP / GDPR)

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we process about you
• Rectification of inaccurate data
• Erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Restriction of processing
• Data portability
• Object to processing based on legitimate interest
• Withdraw consent at any time

Because the App does not store personal data on its own servers, most rights apply only to incidental server logs held by Netlify. To exercise any right, contact hello@soundtools.tech.

10. Right to Lodge a Complaint

If you believe your data-protection rights have been infringed:

• Switzerland: Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC / EDÖB), Feldeggweg 1, 3003 Bern — edoeb.admin.ch
• EU: the national supervisory authority of your place of residence.

11. Changes to this Policy

If this policy changes, the "Effective date" above will change accordingly. Material changes will be announced in the App's release notes and Google Play / Apple App Store listing.

12. Contact

Email: hello@soundtools.tech
Postal: Jürg Andres, Dorf 23, 6215 Schwarzenbach LU, Switzerland